Leading Up To Surgery

MEDICATION & SUPPLEMENTS

Stop taking Aspirin, products that contain Aspirin, and all other supplements two weeks before surgery. This includes:

Alka-Seltzer

Anacin

Bufferin

BC or Goodies powders

Excedrin

Fish oil

CoQ10

Weight loss medication

Vitamin E

Herbal supplements

Meal replacements or protein shakes

PRESCRIPTIONS

Please make sure to get your prescriptions filled prior to your surgery date. You will be expected to bring your prescriptions with you the day of surgery.

The pain medication that is prescribed can cause constipation. You can start prevention as early as two days before your surgery by taking Colace, or Activia yogurt. After your surgery, you can have things like MiraLAX or Milk of Magnesia, but these should not be taken before.

If you become ill or have to postpone your surgery for any reason, please notify us as soon as possible.

Day Before Surgery

You will receive a call and email the day before your surgery with instructions regarding where and when to arrive.

This will include instructions regarding medications.

Day Of Surgery Instructions

FOOD AND DRINK

Do not eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

You can brush your teeth, but do not swallow any toothpaste or liquid.

Do not consume candy or gum.

You may drink water or Gatorade (any flavor except red) up to four hours before your surgery.

CLOTHING

Do not wear jewelry or make-up to your surgery appointment. Wear loose, comfortable, and warm clothing. A top that zips or buttons up is preferred. Please wear glasses instead of contacts if applicable.

Sweat or Pajama pants are preferred. No yoga pants/leggings.

Fingernails must be short. If polished, it must be clear.

A responsible adult must take you home. You will need someone to stay with you for the first night after surgery.

Note: If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you.

No Taxi Cabs, Lyfts, or Ubers as your transportation home.

If you need transportation/help after surgery, the team at Metro’s Other Woman, https://www.metrosotherwoman.com/raleigh-nc, have helped our patients with care, housekeeping, dog walking, taking children to soccer practice, and everything in between.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once you arrive in our surgery suite, the clinical staff will discuss the details of your procedure and ask you to sign an informed consent. If applicable, you will take a pregnancy test prior to surgery.

You will speak with your anesthesia provider prior to your surgery. They will go over your history with you one last time before we get started and tell you what to expect when you are in the operating room.

From there, your surgeon will come in, discuss the procedure, and create his markings before we get started.

After Your Surgery

What to Expect Physically

You can expect a little pain and discomfort, as well as some swelling and bruising on your chest and the surrounding tissues. You will have areas of numbness especially at your incision line. More than likely, your nipple will be numb the days following surgery. If this is the case, there is still a good possibility that the sensation will return.

You may feel a burning sensation at your incision line post-operatively. This will subside after about 24-48 hours.

What to Expect Visually

Your incision line will go around your areolar and then down your chest. It will form the shape of an anchor.

Note: If you are only having Liposuction your incision will look like a half-moon around the areolar.

You will have red or pink drainage at your incision sites. It looks like blood, but it is just blood-tinged fluid. This is from the fluid used prior to suctioning. This generally lasts one to two days after surgery.

You can use gauze held in place by your garment for drainage and oozing. This usually subsides two to three days after surgery.

You will have foam pads inside your garment to your chest to help with swelling. These can be removed and thrown away when you are able to shower.

You will have steri-strips and paper tape applied over your incision sites. Please leave these in place.

If you had liposuction, you will have an incision in your armpit. This will be covered with gauze and paper tape, which can be changed as needed.

Care Instructions

Sitting in an upright position for the first two to three days to help with swelling.

You will be provided a chest compression garment to wear after surgery. Only remove while in the shower.

The garment provided should be worn for the first two weeks after surgery. After this, you will be advised to wear a compression shirt for six weeks after surgery.

You are allowed to take a shower 48 hours after your surgery. It is okay if the areas get wet, but do not wash the incision line directly. After your shower, gently pat the incision site dry.

Do not exercise the first two weeks after surgery. Avoid chest specific exercises until six weeks after surgery.

Pain Management

You can place ice packs to the upper and lower part of your chest to help with swelling and pain. Use for 30 minutes on then 30 minutes off to prevent frostbite.

Do not use heating pads to help with pain. This could cause a burn.

Resume your normal activities as you feel comfortable. If it hurts, don't do it. If it doesn't, it is ok to do.

Medications

Stop taking aspirin, products that contain aspirin, and all other supplements two weeks before surgery.

Do not use alcoholic beverages while taking pain medication.

You will be prescribed three different medications.

Pain medication: Norco or Hydrocodone and Tylenol

Take one to two tablets every six hours, as needed for pain.

This medication contains Tylenol. Do not take additional Tylenol.

Do not take more than 11 in one day.

Anti-nausea medication to be taken prior to surgery: Zofran or Ondansetron

Take four tablets one hour prior to your surgery.

After surgery take one tablet every six hours, as needed for nausea.

Anti-nausea medication for extreme nausea: Phenergan or Promethazine

Take one tablet every four to six hours, as needed for extreme nausea.

Note: This may cause drowsiness

When To Call The Office

Call the office if you have a fever over 101 degrees, experience any sudden increase in swelling (especially on one side), or notice redness around your incision sites (especially if it’s warm to the touch).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to take off work?Three to five days

How long does the procedure last?About two hours

How long will I have to be in recovery?At least 45 minutes

When can I drive again?You can drive when you are no longer taking pain medication and feel comfortable driving again. Always consider that you would need to be able to react in case of an emergency.

Can I sleep on my stomach after surgery?You can sleep on your stomach as long as it doesn't cause you discomfort. Generally this will happen after five to seven days after surgery.

When can I get in a pool/beach/lake?You can get in a pool, beach, or lake three weeks after surgery.

What can I do for scar care after surgery?You will be given a scar gel from, Skin Medica, at your 6-week post-operative appointment.

How long before I see the final results?You are usually at 90% by your 12-week post-operative appointment. This is when we will take your after photos.

How do I wash my garment? You can take your garment off long enough to wash it. Please wash it in cold water and dry it on a low setting to ensure the size doesn't change.